All Eyez On 2pac: The rap legend's 20 best songs

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame tribute to 2pac this past April in New York City. (Charles Sykes/AP)

Troy L. Smith, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Recent Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tupac Shakur will be in the spotlight this weekend when his biopic "All Eyez On Me" rolls into theaters.

The later rapper became a pop culture icon during the 1990s with his legacy (and record sales) only increasing after that. He's regarded as one of the most influential and greatest rappers of all time, who was also a poet and activist.

In honor of the movie coming out, we countdown Pac's greatest songs.

20. 'Holler If Ya Hear Me'

The amazing sample rules the day on this tune. But “Holler If Ya Hear Me” remains one of 2pac’s most memorable phrases and came at a time when the rap star was putting his harsh words towards the government and police trying to hold African Americans down.

19. 'Thugz Mansion'

It was a heaven for thugs and the place many 2pac fans like to believe the fallen rap god went after his murder. There are a few version of this song floating around (including one with Nas). But they all center on 2pac’s stunning lyrics backed by acoustic guitar.

18. 'If I Die 2Nite'

Easy Mo Bee and 2pac had a unique chemistry. They crafted emotionally rich songs that captured Pac’s feeling of loneliness and isolation. The opening alliteration is some of Pac’s best lyrical display. It was truly him against the world.

17. 'To Live and Die In L.A.'

Once he was with Death Row, 2pac was all about the West Coast. While most of the songs shouting out the west side could be scathing, “To Live and Die In L.A.” is a beautiful ode to Los Angeles.